Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), and Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, sent a joint letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the U.S. Department of State to differentiate Somaliland from the Federal Republic of Somalia in its travel advisory report.

              This distinction would be in recognition of Somaliland’s de facto independence, good governance and democracy, as well as its extensive efforts to combat the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s influence in the Horn of Africa. In particular, Somaliland expresses solidarity with Taiwan and supports the United States’ interests in the region.

              “Both the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (Select Committee) and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) see this step as consistent with our efforts at countering the PRC’s malign influence in the Horn of Africa and supporting greater international recognition of Taiwan,” the lawmakers said in their letter.

              “Successive, democratically-elected governments in Somaliland have successfully prevented terrorism, piracy, and smuggling within its borders and created a safe and prosperous society,” Smith and Moolenaar stated in the letter, underscoring that a separate travel advisory for Somaliland would more accurately reflect the differing security environments within the region.

              “The Trump Administration and Secretary Rubio have already made significant strides in strengthening the U.S.-Somaliland relationship – the United States can continue to nurture this partnership with a separate and more accurate travel advisory, which accords with the stable situation on the ground,” said Smith, a staunch advocate for Somaliland recognition.

              “The distinction of Somaliland from Somalia wouldn’t just benefit Somalilanders and others in the region – it is also largely advantageous to U.S. companies, investors, and travelers,” Smith noted.

              “A travel advisory that differentiates Somaliland from the war-torn Somalia would spur future development and growth in the region by encouraging tourism, investment, commerce, and the acquisition of natural resources, such as the critical minerals of lithium and copper.

              “Time and time again, Somaliland has proven to be a strong ally and friend to the United States, both through its endeavors to counter PRC influence in the Horn of Africa and its continued support of Taiwan and Israel,” Smith said.

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Contact:
Teagan Gambert (202) 225-3765
http://chrissmith.house.gov